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(資料圖片)

哈羅深圳國際學校是純英式的國際學校，學習IGCSE和A Level課程，但是，我們有不少在校生有意向申請美國的高等院校。升學是學生和家長們都非常關注的事，相關的準備也絕非一日之功。盡早了解申請動向，有重點有技巧地為理想大學做升學準備，必將事半功倍。

為了更好的幫助學生和家長了解相關升學信息，哈羅深圳專程邀請到美國圣路易斯華盛頓大學（US News 2023 全美排名第15位，全球第32位,亦屬于“新常春藤” ）中國辦公室主任徐進先生在線為我們十一年級的學生及家長進行了專場分享會，深度交流、分享美國高校招生的邏輯和選拔標準、以及個人的觀察和建議。

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HIS Shenzhen is a British international school where senior students study IGCSE and A Level. Nonetheless, there is a number of our students intending to apply for tertiary education in America. University applications worth the attention of both students and parent. It is very important to start the preparations early, be well informed, and to apply strategically.

To better cater requests of current students and parents, Harrow Shenzhen invited Mr Xu Jin, Head of China Office of Washington University in St. Louis (ranked 15th in the US in 2023 and 32nd in the world, also a member of the New Ivy League) to deliver an exclusive information session to our Year 11 students and parents, sharing the logic and selection criteria of college admissions in the United States, based on his own experience and observations.

以下，是專場分享會現場

學生、家長提問和徐先生回答節選

The following are excerpts of the Q&A session between Mr Xu and our students and parents.

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問：“申請美國的優秀高校，有哪些值得關注的事項？”

答：對于美國前20的大學而言，學術成績只是門檻，除此之外，招生官也會特別關注以下幾點：

1. 學生是否有與大學本身、申請專業相契合，或在某領域特別的潛力？

2. 學生的興趣、愛好，對未來發展的規劃，以及圍繞自己的興趣都做過些什么？

3. 申請人之間的差異化

4. 未來的同學將能從申請人身上學到些什么，有哪些收獲？

另外，美國好的大學都是全球競爭，即使申請人本已非常優秀，也要管理好自己的期望值，保持良好的心態。

問：“申請人之間的差異化是什么意思？可以具體說說嗎？”

答：中國優秀的申請者普遍有這樣一些特點：成績好、會樂器、擅長運動、參加過各類比賽等，招生官接觸多了，也會覺得有些千篇一律。但是，很多真正被頂級美國高校錄取的同學，往往是不甘于平庸，愿意折騰，努力嘗試許多別人沒有勇氣去嘗試的事情的人。所以說，申請人還是要培養各自的興趣和特色，在提交申請材料或面試時讓考官眼前一亮！

哈羅重視全人教育，鼓勵學生在校園內外都能全面發展，成為自信、活潑、且專注的學習者。這些特質也是招生官所青睞的重點。

問：“還有什么可以加深招生官對考生的印象的意見嗎？”

答：我非常建議同學們有時間的話，盡量多和美國的目標學校建立聯系，在申請學校前，先預約訪校，比如在意向大學的官網預約面見招生官，或者報名參加目標學校的夏校。這樣，不僅學生可以更好地了解學校，也能讓學校更好地了解學生，也能說明學生對學校的強烈興趣和投入。很多美國高校也有非常強大的校友會，同學們也可以通過這個渠道與學長學姐聯系，了解與學校、專業等相關的情況。

值得注意的是，夏校的申請截止時間比較早，大家一定要盡早了解、申請。我還想提醒一點的是，面試能力強的同學，務必要盡力爭取到面試機會。為此，一定要提早提交申請，給招生官預留足夠的篩選時間。

Q：“申請大學，準備相關材料、文書、面試技巧等，有必要請中介幫忙嗎？”

答：說實話，市面上的很多中介寫的文章和給予的指導多是套路，好的大學有經驗的招生官是能分辨出來誰的申請是通過中介，誰的申請是自己用心準備的。中介幫忙做的申請，很可能會導致學生把自己往里面套，而扭曲了自己的本性。其實，申請人還是應該充分發掘自己真正的亮點，自己申請，更真實地展現自己，不要把別人的優勢往自己身上套。

我聽說，哈羅深圳國際學校的同學們，不僅追求學術上的卓越，也非常有主見，注重培養各自的興趣和特長，我相信，兩年后，我們學校首屆的畢業生一定能收獲自己心儀大學專業的offer！加油！

分享會現場，除了認真聆聽的學生，還有積極參與討論、像學生們一樣詳細記錄的家長，各種知識點筆記滿滿當當

在線參與分享會的家長們同樣反響熱烈，對徐進先生的分享內容贊不絕口。

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Q: "What worth our attention when applying for top universities in the United States?"

A: For the top 20 universities in the United States, academic performance is only the threshold. In addition, admissions officers will also pay special attention to the following aspects:

1. Whether the applicant and the university and applying major it; or whether the applicant has special potential in certain fields of study?

2. Applicants’ interests, future plans and what they have done for their interests?

3. Diversity in incoming cohort and uniqueness of student profile

4. How can students be of influence amongst themselves?

One thing worth mentioning is that good universities in the United States receive applications global-wise. Even top applicants must manage your expectations and not to be discouraged if not accepted.

Q: "What exactly do you mean by diversity among applicants?"

A: The strongest applicants from China tend to show characteristics of having good grades, playing certain musical instruments, being good at sports, and having participated in various competitions. However, candidates who are admitted to top American universities are often applicants who demonstrate their authentic self and show courage in trying things that others do not tend to. Therefore, it is necessary to develop one’s own interests and characteristics, so that the admission officers will be impressed by your uniqueness!

Harrow values holistic education for all young people, and encourage all to develop well-rounded, confident, active and engaged learners, both within the classroom and beyond. These traits are favored by admissions officers.

Q: "Are there any other ways to impress the admissions officer?"

A: If time allows, I would highly recommend students to build up connections with your targeted universities. For instance, you can apply for a campus tour via the university website’s admissions page or register for their summer programme. To do so, not only can applicants get a more comprehensive picture of their targeted university, but also can they demonstrate genuine interest and loyalty. Many American colleges and universities also have very strong alumni networks. Students can also use this channel to get connected and to learn about the university and majors/faculties.

It should be noted that the application deadline for summer programme is relatively early, so please apply as early as possible.Please also be noted that students who have strong interview skills must do your best to get the interview opportunities. Hence, make sure that you know well about the timeline for applications and submit your applications early.

Q: "Would it be helpful to apply with the help of an education agency or consultant?

A: To be honest, letters and application documents prepared by agencies are normally based on templates. Experienced admissions officers at good universities can tell who applied through an agency and whose application was carefully prepared by themselves. Applications made by agencies are likely to standardise applicants and ignoring their characteristics. In fact, the admissions team would really prefer applicants to fully explore their strengths and potentials by applying by themselves, so as to better show themselves more authentically.

At the sharing session, both the participating students and parents listened attentively and joined the discussions. Some parents even took detailed notes

Parents who participated online also showed high appreciation for Bill’s sharing.